Tag Archives: poor

LET YOUR EYES SEE FOR ONCE BENEATH THE RAGS THAT COVER YOU

Eugene’s conversion encounter with the God of love led him to begin to see his own dignity and that of others through the eyes of the Crucified Saviour. Continuing to reflect on the first Madeleine sermon, one sees how his … Continue reading

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COME NOW AND LEARN FROM US WHAT YOU ARE IN THE EYES OF FAITH

Remember that the text that we have is made up of notes for preaching (hence the common use of “etc” in the text). Eugene did not function well from a prepared text – he wrote the key ideas and then … Continue reading

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GRANT THAT I MAY REAWAKEN MANY FOOLISH PEOPLE FROM THE FATAL INDIFFERENCE THAT BRINGS THEM TO THEIR DOOM

Eugene continues his sermon by presenting the indifference of the post-Revolution French to God and invites “you poor of Jesus Christ” in the Madeleine to come to the instructions where they will be enlightened. Question the milling crowd that jostles … Continue reading

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THE POOR ARE BEING EVANGELIZED, PAUPERES EVANGELIZANTUR

The best-known and most-quoted of Eugene’s sermons is the first one, of which we have his preaching notes. In the opening extract, Eugene gives the reason for the Lenten preaching in Provençal: In the course of this holy season there … Continue reading

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AS I USED TO ASCEND THE PULPIT … I DID NOT FORGET TO BEG THE MASTER PRESENT TO SPEAK HIMSELF BY MY MOUTH

Father de Mazenod’s first recorded activity in 1813 is his series of Lenten sermons in Provencal in the Church of the Madeleine. He tells his friend, Charles Forbin Janson, about its success: Each Sunday in Lent I have preached in … Continue reading

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MY WHOLE AMBITION WAS TO CONSECRATE MYSELF TO THE SERVICE OF THE POOR AND OF THE YOUTH

Eugene continues his 1839 reflections on his vocation. Having spoken about the motto and coat of arms he had sketched at the seminary, with the Cross and crown of thorns above the overturned insignia of power and status, he proceeds: … Continue reading

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